ANKARA - President Ahmet Necdet Sezer welcomed Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf in an official ceremony on Tuesday.
Speaking after the ceremony, Sezer said that he was proud to host Musharraf, his wife and the accompanying delegation in Turkey.
''Turkey is the second homeland of Mr. President. Turkish nation has always had special feelings for Pakistan,'' said Sezer.
President Sezer noted that Musharraf's visit would strengthen the historic friendship and brotherhood ties between Turkey and Pakistan.
Noting that they would take up the bilateral relations in all of its dimensions during the meetings with Musharraf, President Sezer said that they would focus on the steps that could be taken to further improve the cooperation in all fields.
''Our relations with Pakistan are at perfect level that can constitute a model for all countries. There are broad opportunities to further improve our cooperation and we wish to use all these opportunities,'' said Sezer.
Sezer noted that they would exchange views about regional and international issues that concerned the two countries during the meetings.
Pakistani President Musharraf said in his part that Turkey was his second home, adding that the relations with Turkey were based on belief, history and culture and the bilateral relations were at the highest level in political field. Pointing out that mutual high ranking visits would contribute to improvement of bilateral relations and understanding, Musharraf said that Turkey and Pakistan had common views about many international issues.
Musharraf said that they would take important steps during his contacts in Turkey, adding that they particularly targeted to focus on economic and commercial issues.
The guest president said that they would sign various agreements in Ankara, adding that the cooperation agreement on fight with terrorism was important to express and deepen the common attitude of the two countries in fight against terrorism.
''There is no need for protocol because I am in my own home,'' added Musharraf.
Sezer said that Pakistan had a special importance for Turkish nation, stating that relations with this country always had importance and priority.
Speaking at a joint news conference which was held following tete-a-tete meeting with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and talks between the delegations, Sezer said he believed that Musharraf's visit would contribute to the improvement of relations and further strengthening of peace and stability in the region.
Stating that improvement of economic relations was particularly discussed during the talks, Sezer said studies would continue for development of new concrete cooperation areas.
Musharraf in his part said they had very beneficial meetings and that they discussed Iraq, Afghanistan and Cyprus as well as bilateral relations.
Musharraf said the agreements that were signed today would serve improvement of current close and friendly relations between Pakistan and Turkey.
Comprehensive economic framework agreement, framework agreement for preferential trade arrangement, cooperation agreement in health, agreement to cooperate in fight against international terrorism and organized crimes were signed between Turkey and Pakistan after the talks.
Meanwhile, Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA) and Pakistani Central Bank signed a memorandum of understanding.
(AY) 20.01.2004